Thursday, December 29, 2016

Starting the Silk Road in Uzbekistan---Samarkand (Places and Spaces on a Trip Around the World, 2016)

Starting the Silk Road in Uzbekistan---Samarkand

(Places and Spaces, 2016 Trip Around the World)


Uzbekistan was the first and last stop on The Silk Road Tour. I traveled with 10 other folks, most Australians, with a lady from Wales and a couple from Canada.  The country is the center of ancient empires, and our travels across the country took us to Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and stops at a couple other places to take note of other sites.  We endured a long train ride and the bullet train. For the most part, I'll post scenes from the ancient historic spaces and places.

Samarkand

The beautiful mosques, mausoleums, monuments and complexes by night are breathtaking.








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Our hotel was near the Amir Temur mausoleum, with a stunning interior.




 











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Another complex of mausoleums on another side of town was known for its beautiful blue tiles.










 


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Another beautiful complex











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Near the edge of town is the site where the arm of St. Daniel (Daniel and the Lion's den, from the Bible) is reported to entombed, and, legend says, is growing, thus the length.

 

 
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Following are from Ok-Saray Complex enroute to Samarkand





 
Shooting at a distance makes the status look as large as the towers behind him.
 



 
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Finally, you can't leave Samarkand without visiting the market, or winery.



...wine tasting...














 
 
 
 

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